Much thanks to the Queens Council on the Arts and the Hillcrest Senior Center for this wonderful opportunity. Thanks also to NYC Department for the Aging, NYC Council and Materials for the Arts for supporting the SU-CASA Artist in Residence Program. It was such an honor to work with this community.

I use CROWDSOURCED data printed on fabric to make fabric-based installations that are vulnerable, immersive and thought provoking. I am not asking for money. Instead I ask that you take 3 minutes of your time to PLEASE CONTRIBUTE ANSWERS to this super short, anonymous survey: http://bit.ly/QuiltforNowSurvey

The responses to this survey are the basis for an ongoing quilt installation project that will be on display in NYC and elsewhere.We have so much to learn from one another, this project is a celebration of that. Share your voice.Much thanks.

"The three portraits displayed here are titled “From These Hands.” They depict three Keetoowah Cherokee Elders holding different examples of traditional art forms: a blanket, gourd and basket. The colorful shapes were decorated by Elders at the UKB Elder Center and collaged by Paula Frisch, AmeriCorps VISTA 2013-2014, who created the portraits. The women are done as block prints. They were carved from linoleum then printed with an oil-based ink. Each collage is unique, as are the women who hold them. The women are representatives of tradition and culture. They encourage us to actively learn from one another and from the communities around us. The represented items, a loom-woven blanket, intricately carved gourd, and natural reed basket, were created with care, practice and skill. They promote and preserve the knowledge of generations. These women emphasize that we can bring color and community into our own lives by taking the time to learn from others, share our abilities and work together."

I arrived just in time to attend the annual Keetoowah Cultural Celebration and parade. The festival is an opportunity for families all over the area to reconnect, eat a traditional meal of hog meat, fry bread and potatoes, for turtle races, speeches, gospel and traditional songs, raffles, a stickball tournament and more. It is a much anticipated and fun time to be had by all. Dig in:

Huge thanks to all who came and supported for my art opening. It was a very special event and I felt honored to see so many smiling faces from all parts of my life. Wonderful food, setting and company.